Volvo C70

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August 15, 2012|By JIM MACPHERSON

In the luxury car field, the trend is clear: Soft, fabric top convertibles are out. Convertibles with retractable hardtops, such as the Volvo C70 coupe, are in.

The reasons are simple. Convertible-coupes provide all the pleasures of top-down driving when the weather permits. And, when it doesn't, the driver can turn the car into a snug, solid-roof hardtop with a finished headliner. Conversion from top-up to top-down operation is simple, taking just a push of a button and less than 30 seconds. Voila! What was once a hardtop becomes a convertible.

The Volvo C70 convertible-coupe has been around since 2006 and is based on the now-discontinued S40 sedan platform. Power comes from a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Most models deliver 227 horsepower, though for 2012, Volvo added an optional Inscription Package that brings the output to 250 horsepower. Regardless of the version, all C70 convertibles use a five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

The C70 is a limited production convertible, says Cliff Nichols, general sales manager at Mitchell Volvo in Simsbury and Torrington, although this statement is true of all convertibles today.

Engine performance is satisfyingly quick, though the C70 isn't fast by current standards. It does boast good throttle response and minimal turbo lag. Full throttle runs produce a unique five-cylinder exhaust tone, but it's suitably muted. Sixty miles per hour arrives in 7.6 seconds with the Inscription Package. The C70 does display mild torque steer, which is the tendency of a powerful front-wheel drive car to tug on the steering wheel, during full throttle acceleration.

Acceleration, of course, is only part of the C70's story. The ride is comfortably firm and handling is secure with good steering feel in turns. Drivers can feel some quaking over bumps, but as convertibles go, this model is good when it comes to body structure. The raised roof panels made some mild creaking noises over exceptionally rough roads.

However, this Volvo is not a sports car. It's more suitably described as a premium "grand touring" convertible, a title it easily justified on a longer trip that turned out to be very pleasant, quite comfortable and thoroughly entertaining.

C70 drivers are treated to a well-equipped convertible that offers the solidity and security of a hardtop when top down motoring is neither possible nor desired. Enhancing its appeal are comfortable and roomy front seats, and a surprisingly complete list of standard equipment. Features that come with the car include the expected power assists, including the power operated hardtop, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with driver's side memory and leather upholstery.

The C70 comes with a two-person back seat. Adults will not be comfortable there, however. Leg room is an issue, even with the front seats moved somewhat forward, and access with the top raised requires high levels of physical dexterity.

With the top up, trunk space comes to nearly 13 cubic feet, but drops to just over six with the top down.

The Volvo C70 convertible-coupe is a thoroughly pleasant vehicle, ideal for even cross country travel. When the weather is perfect, the car offers all the pleasures of a convertible. When the weather is less cooperative, the Volvo C70 is as snug as any sporty coupe. That should make it ideal for year-round use in New England's four distinct seasons.

Paula Says

"Top-down driving means a bad hair day."

The 2012 Volvo C70 convinced me that I'm not a convertible person. We had the car for review during one of this year's all-too numerous heat waves, and even with the sun setting one evening while we were out, it was still hot and sticky. Top-down driving also means a bad hair day.

Fortunately, with the top up, this Volvo felt was a reasonably solid coupe with great air conditioning. Visibility for backing was also good, not something you would expect in many convertibles, which often have a far-too-small rear window.

The Volvo C70 was pleasant to drive. I enjoyed its combination of highway stability and around-town maneuverability. The gauges are clear and most of the controls in the center console area, though small, are easy to use. Manual overrides for the climate control are exceptionally easy, thanks to clear icons. Other automakers should take note. The center console is also thin, with a storage area behind and under it, which is convenient.

The interior is very nicely done. In addition to a good design, Volvo chose materials that are comfortable and luxurious. The front seats were very good. This is one car that made me, a shorter driver, just as comfortable as my taller husband.

Most Volvo C70s run on regular gasoline, but our more powerful version took premium. We managed 20.5 miles per gallon, down from the 23 mpg we recorded in the last C70 convertible we had for review.

The Volvo C70 is a pleasant vehicle. What I liked best about it, however, was how much it felt like a fixed-roof coupe with the top up. As I said, I'm not really a convertible person ? unless the weather is perfect.

Jim MacPherson is the host of "The Car Doctor" show airing Sundays at noon on WTIC-AM. Paula MacPherson is his wife and new-car review partner. Send comments, questions, suggestions in care of Special Publications, Hartford Courant, 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115, or email jdee@courant.com.

This content was prepared by the Marketing Department of The Hartford Courant without involvement of the News Department